Echoing its criticism of the April launch, Russia said Pyongyang had been warned not to ignore a Security Council resolution which "unambiguously prohibits [North Korea] from launching rockets using ballistic technology".

China, meanwhile, was not so direct in its criticism of North Korea, but urged "all sides" not to take any action that "worsens the problem".

Kim Jong-un's regime insists the rocket, which it says will fly south over the Philippines and Australia and into orbit, is carrying a communications satellite.

But the US, South Korea and Japan all say the launch is really a ballistic missile test, with North Korea trying to master the technology to fire long-range missiles capable of one day carrying a nuclear warhead.

The Russian statement said North Korea would be allowed only to exercise its right to peaceful activity in space if the UN-imposed restrictions were lifted.

Russia has often balanced criticism of Soviet-era client state North Korea's nuclear activities and missile launches with calls on other powers to refrain from belligerent actions against Pyongyang, which it says can be counterproductive.

Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and is upset by any defiance of council resolutions.

Past launches by Pyongyang have caused concern among Russians living near the country's border with North Korea.